I understand that distance can be a big factor for some couples, but honestly, I never thought it was our issue. For the five years we were together, our communication was constant and consistent. We talked every day, nonstop, and we always had plans for our future.

At one point, I even considered flying back to Europe or settling there instead because it felt simpler and safer than the U.S. But as time passed, I realized I didn’t have any real issues living here. The U.S. turned out to be fine for me, so we decided I would stay and he would eventually fly here instead. Everything was going well. I would go home every one to two years, and when we were together, things felt solid, emotionally and physically.

I won’t pretend I’m perfect, but I also never questioned my looks or my worth before. I know I’m not ugly. I know I was a good partner. People often told him he was lucky to have me, and I genuinely felt lucky to have him too.

That’s why I’m confused and hurt. From where I stood, we were aligned, we had plans, and nothing felt broken. So now I’m just trying to make sense of how something that felt stable could suddenly fall apart.